Chicken Cordon Bleu remains one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. Its juicy chicken pairs perfectly with gooey cheese and smoky ham. The dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish of all time. It features chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and cooked until crispy. The dish is often pan-fried or deep-fried, but you can bake it for a lighter and healthier version.
This fancy and comforting dish is popular in European and American cuisine. It’s often served with creamy sauces (Dijon mustard, béchamel, or mushroom sauce) and sides like mashed potatoes, garlic butter rice, or hearty dishes like pizza pasta and crack chicken pasta.
For vegetables, roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, fresh salad, green beans with balsamic glaze, and asparagus in lemon butter sauce add freshness and texture. Other great sides include vegetarian risotto, zucchini fries, stuffed peppers, and bean salad.
For beverages, non-alcoholic choices like acidic fruit juices (cranberry or citrus), sparkling water with lemon, or herbal teas work well. If you prefer alcohol, try Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, or Merlot for wine lovers.
Here’s how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu:
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham deli-style
- 4 slices Swiss cheese or mozzarella
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko for extra crisp
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard optional, for extra flavor
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Flatten the chicken breasts to about ¼-inch thickness using a rolling pin or meat mallet.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Lay a slice of ham and cheese on each chicken breast.
- Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- In one bowl, add flour. In a second bowl, whisk together egg and milk. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and garlic powder.
- Dip each chicken roll into the flour, then egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the rolled chicken on a greased baking dish. Drizzle melted butter on top for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Notes
- Use mozzarella instead of Swiss cheese.
- Assemble and freeze uncooked rolls for a quick meal later.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes for extra crispiness.
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Variations
Chicken Cordon Bleu has numerous regional and creative variations.
- Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese Options include sharp cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere for different flavors.
- Ham Alternatives use prosciutto or bacon for a twist on flavor profiles.
- Crust Variations use crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers for a crunchier texture.
- Stuffing Variations add mushrooms or additional herbs to the filling for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Sauce Pairings include creamy Dijon mustard sauce, garlic butter sauce, or honey mustard sauce.
- Spanish Variants:
- Cachopo uses veal, beef, or chicken cutlets filled with Serrano ham and cheese.
- San Jacobo is often made with just slices of ham and cheese, but sometimes with chicken or pork loin.
- South American Style:
- Milanesa Rellena involves two beef or chicken fillets layered like a sandwich with ham and mozzarella cheese, breaded, and fried or baked. It’s popular in Uruguay and Argentina.
- Halal Versions substitute pork with beef or mutton to comply with dietary restrictions.